On Thursday, Blues forward Alexander Steen announced his retirement from professional hockey due to an on-going back injury that he sustained during the 2019-20 season. Steen has "multiple levels of degenerative herniated discs of his lumbar spine." according to the team's press release.

"This has been an emotional process," Steen told stlouisblues.com. "But as I look back on my years in hockey, I would like to thank our organization, our city, our fans and my teammates as I am so proud of all the teams I was part of."

Steen, 35, spent 15 seasons in the NHL, three with Toronto, and twelve with St. Louis. He was drafted by the Maple Leafs in the first round, 24th overall in the 2001 NHL entry draft.

In 1,018 regular season games, Steen put up 622 points (245 G, 377 A), 454 penalty minutes, and was a +42. In 91 career playoff games, he recorded 36 points (15 G, 21 A), 62 penalty minutes, and was a -8. He won the Stanley Cup during the 2018-19 season as a member of the St. Louis Blues.

Internationally, Steen has represented Sweden on multiple occasions, most recently at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia. In 6 games, he tallied 4 points (1 G, 3 A), 4 penalty minutes, and was a -1 as Sweden took home the silver medal following a loss to Canada in the gold medal game.

According to various reports, Steen will be treated as an injured player. While he will not play, he will still be paid and the cap hit applies.

Congratulations to Alexander Steen on a great career, and all the best in retirement.

Source: Source: St. Louis Blues

PREVIOUSLY ON
MARKERZONE